IDF Soldiers in Hebron Stunned at Outpouring of Love & Support
By: Ariella Rothschild
Over Hanukkah, LIBI USA teamed up with the 4 the IDF organization to say thanks to soldiers stationed in Hebron in a special way.
With winter in full swing in Israel and nights that can reach frigid temperatures, over 200 soldiers were given sets of much needed winter gear including warm socks, thermals, pants, shirts, gloves, hats and neck warmers, all in army green.
In addition, the soldiers feasted on sufganiyot, traditional Hanukkah doughnuts, in a surprise holiday party thrown in their honor.
This is not the first time LIBI USA and 4 the IDF have worked together. Over the summer, while IDF soldiers were battling in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge, the two organizations raised NIS 1 million for soldiers in a grassroots initiative.
Spearheaded by 4 the IDF’s founder Gedalia Bloom, nearly 5,000 pizza pies were ordered by supporters of Israel’s defenders from around the world and sent to the front lines as a small token of thanks for defending the Jewish state.
LIBI USA spokesperson Rabbi Tuly Weisz, who helped hand out the winter gear and doughnuts, expressed his thanks and that of those around the world to the soldiers.
“On Hanukkah, we celebrate the bravery of the Maccabees who stood up to Israel’s enemy. You, soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, are our modern day Maccabees who give so much strength and inspiration to Jews and non-Jews alike,” he told the soldiers.
“When you are on guard duty, cold, hungry and feeling lonely, you should know that you are not alone,” Weisz continued. “There are thousands, if not millions of people who care for you and are thinking of you and praying for your safety.”
Speaking to Breaking Israel News, Weisz explained that “the least we could do is spread Hanukkah joy and provide them with warm clothes and make them a little bit more comfortable.”
After the Hanukkah party, Weisz and Bloom made their way to the Cave of the Patriarchs where they also thanked the soldiers stationed there, guarding the holy site.
The soldiers there were truly shocked at the outpouring of love and support. Commander Wisam Abo Zad, stationed in Hebron and a father of two from Rama Hazzafon, thanked LIBI USA in a Facebook post.
“Thank you for all that you have given to the soldiers that do their job day and night. In order to guard our land, the soldiers go without sleep and risk their lives, even in the toughest conditions,” he wrote.
“They do this with the goal of keeping the people that come to pray at the Cave of the Patriarchs, in the land of our fathers! Thank you for all the warm equipment you brought us. Knowing that people movie box download iPhone care for us will keep not only our bodies warm, but our hearts as well.”
“We really thank you, from all the commanders and IDF soldiers guarding the Cave of the Patriarchs.”
